The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway established Jolly as a shipping
point in 1890 and a post office was opened the following year. Rancher/
farner William H. Jolly is the town's namesake. By 1895 Jolly had
a population of 75 served by six businesses. The population remained
constant (63) from the mid-20s through the mid 60s. By the late 1970s
the town swelled to a population of 75 - perhaps because of nearby
Lake Arrowhead State Recreation Area. It has since grown to the present
population of 188.

An old house
in ruins near Jolly, Texas
"I'm a frequent traveler of 287 between Decatur
and Wichita
Falls, and over many years have been captivated by the ruins of
an old farm or ranch house. It's located on a rise, on the south side
of the highway, between Wichita Falls and Jolly. I'd appreciate any
information that you or your readers might have have about the history
of the old place. Thanks very much." - Vicki Cheatwood, Garland,
Texas, January 15, 2007

Editor: See “Witch’s
Gate”
In Cold Blood: Clay County, Texas 1975
A needless killing for a fortune that wasn’t there.